Roland Garros 2026: French Players Disappointed, Marta Kostyuk Wins Despite Emotional Burden

Paris – May 24, 2026: The first day of Roland Garros 2026 French Open began with mixed feelings for the French tennis players. Of the 11 players who competed, only two made it to the second round. One of them was the 19-year-old Giovanni Umpech Pericar, who lost a tough match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic by 5:7, 7:5, 6:1, 6:4. Despite the defeat, this young French player showed impressive performance and gained valuable experience on the big stage.

Another French player, 24-year-old Titouan Droguet, succeeded in advancing to the second round. He demonstrated strong play by defeating Czech Jakub Mensik 6:3, 6:2, 6:4. However, the high temperatures throughout the match were a great strain on both players and spectators.

Separately from the French players, Ukrainian-born Marta Kostyuk attracted attention. The 23-year-old Kostyuk, who already won titles in Rouen and Madrid this season, continued her winning streak by beating Spain’s Oksana Selekhmeteva 6:2, 6:3. Despite the clear result, the day was emotionally very challenging. A few hours before the match, she received news of a rocket attack near her parents’ home in Kyiv. “I am really proud of myself today. I think this was one of the toughest matches in my career,” Kostyuk said after the match. “This morning, a building about 100 meters from my parents’ house was destroyed. It was a very difficult morning… I didn’t know what to do, so I cried all morning.”

Despite these personal difficulties, Kostyuk maintained focus on the match and secured a spot in the second round. She emphasized the importance of moving forward and said she was an example for the Ukrainian people who are staying strong together despite difficult circumstances. “I think it is important to keep going. My greatest example is the people of Ukraine. This morning I saw that life goes on in my country, and Ukrainians are still helping those who need it the most,” she said.

Thus, the first day of Roland Garros 2026 French Open was filled with mixed emotions. While the French players faced challenges, Marta Kostyuk displayed remarkable resilience and determination beyond the court.